Okonjima Bush Camp

Damaraland, Namibia

Home to the AfriCat foundation, Okonjima Bush Camp offers up the opportunity to get close to Namibia's big cats from the comfort of this intimate camp. With just nine suites and the two-bedroom Bush Suite, Okonjima can cater to families and couples alike.

At a Glance

Home of the AfriCat Foundation

Track cheetah on foot using a radio tracker

Game drive to locate the elusive leopards, which have been radio collared

Relax by the swimming pool

Children of all ages are accepted at the two bedroom Bush Suite

Adventure, Couples, Road trip, Wildlife

Insider's View

Tracking the cheetah by foot was a memorable and exhilarating experience

Louisa Ross-Taylor

Insider's View

Sit on your terrace and watch the birds fly in to the bird bath in front of each suite

Call us on (858) 523-9000 to start planning your vacation to Okonjima Bush Camp or take a look at our itineraries to Damaraland

Description

Okonjima Bush Camp probably offers the most luxurious accommodation in the Okonjima Private Game Reserve, and enjoys stunning views across the Namibian plains and to the nearby mountains. The camp comprises eight African-style cottages and one honeymoon suite, which each offer privacy and tranquillity, having reopened in May 2015 after an extensive refurbishment. The thatched, circular rooms are widely spaced out for maximum privacy, and each one has a tented front which can be removed to reveal views of the Omboroko Mountains and the Waterberg Plateau Park.

The two bedroom Bush Suite, which overlooks the watering hole works very well for a family or group traveling together, as children under the age of 12 are accepted here. The cottage is self contained and has its own lounge area and kitchen. There is also a large 13-meter swimming pool.

Also overlooking the waterhole is the central area, complete with campfire, kelim rugs and comfortable sofas where guests can stretch out and relax after a day of exploring the park. Okonjima’s 'bush camp' cuisine has a distinct African flavor, with much of the food cooked outside over an open fire for a more authentic dining experience.

Okonjima is home to the AfriCat Foundation, which works with local farmers to conserve Namibia’s big cats – mainly leopard and cheetah. All guests will have the unique opportunity to watch the AfriCat Foundation researchers at work, and to participate in radio-tracking on foot. Alternatively, watch leopards from the safety of a hide or a safari vehicle, and track them using signals from their radio collars.

Accommodation

Okonjima Bush Camp has eight thatched suites and one honeymoon suite.

The Bush Suite is a short distance from the Bush Camp and is self contained. With two separate en-suite bedrooms the Bush Suite is perfect for a small group or family.

Childcare

Children over the age of 12 are welcome at Bush Camp, but children of all ages are welcomed at the Bush Suite; it should be noted that no ‘child-care service’ is available. Due to the nature of the activities, child participation is restricted, depending on age so guests should always check before booking children.

Facilities

There is a swimming pool to enjoy between safaris and a game hide, plus the renowned AfriCat Research Center.

Activities

Activities from Okonjima revolve around game viewing either on foot or by vehicle. The cheetah and leopard radio tracking on foot and by vehicle are also a popular activity to partake in during your stay. There is a Bushman Trail and plenty of birding with expert guides.

Location & Directions

Damaraland, Namibia

Okonjima Bush Camp is situated halfway between Windhoek and Etosha National Park. The vast plains west of the Waterberg Plateau Park are occasionally broken by the remnants of ancient sandstone ‘outcrops’, which once covered large areas of northern Namibia. Nestled among these outcrops, in the Omboroko Mountains, lies Okonjima.

When to go

The best time to visit Windhoek is between May and September, when it's cool and dry. Summer (November to March) is hot with heavy rains that sometimes make the gravel roads to the Namib completely impassable.

December and January see the main school vacations: much of the populace heads to the coast, so if you visit during this time you may find some shops and restaurants closed.